Industry recognises Partner Programme & contribution to channel business development

LONDON, UK. 20 November 2009: NetApp has taken top position to scoop the Storage Vendor of the Year 2009, at last night’s 2009 CRN Awards in Battersea. The company beat off competition from EMC, Hitachi Data Systems and Dell EqualLogic to be named number one in recognition of its Partner Programme and overall contribution to business development in the channel, through product range innovation, channel marketing programmes and building out partner professional service and support programmes.

“We are honoured to have received this award and it’s a wonderful endorsement of our commitment to the channel for our partner to show their support with their votes,” said Pete Rawden, Regional Director, Channels and General Business UK & Ireland, NetApp. “Our partners are critical to our business and we’re delighted to see the work of our internal channel development team is providing what our partners need for their businesses to perform well.”

During 2009 NetApp has invested heavily in and evolved its Partner Programme to attract new partners and enable existing partners to help NetApp drive growth and gain market share in difficult times by delivering the support needed to negotiate economic challenges and exploit emerging opportunities.

The company was commended by CRN for the introduction of a Silver Tier to its Partner Programme, which since March 2009 has attracted more than 250 new UK partners in the through key distributors DNS Arrow, Bell Micro and Hammer. Designed specifically to serve the Medium Sized Enterprise (MSE) sector, the Silver Partner Programme offers a range of bundled solutions to support partner go-to-market and includes access to marketing support, technical support and sales leads to help new partners unlock revenue from MSE customers.

NetApp was also recognised for its annual Partner Awards event which celebrates and rewards the success of NetApp Partners. With the introduction of the new “Professional Service Partner of the Year” and “Virtualisation Partner of the Year” awards in 2009, NetApp recognises the strength of its Partners’ capabilities across the board in solutions, support and consultancy.

“Listening to our Partners has shaped the NetApp Partner Programme, as well as how we share knowledge and work with our partners to increase their business,” continued Rawden. “More than 70 per cent of our business is done through the channel, so it is an integral part of our strategy that we plan to continue investing in. Our partner Professional Services and Support programmes (APSP and ASP) are an increasingly important element of our channel programme and successful adoption of these by our partners is a significant factor in helping NetApp to drive growth.

“We wish to extend our sincerest thanks to all our partners for their endorsement in voting for NetApp as Storage Vendor of the Year. We look forward to working closely together in the future to build value for our business and yours.”